Automatic light control system

ABSTRACT

Garage lights are automatically turned on by a photocell which is illuminated by automobile headlights. A timing circuit keeps the lights on for a predetermined period after automobile headlights are turned off. House current is stepped down, rectified and smoothed. Direct current is applied across a variable voltage divider. A starter which may be a push button, a headlight receiving photocell or a roll over switch supplies voltage to a mid point of the divider. Voltage at the mid point is reduced during daylight hours by an exterior photocell in a conductive condition. During darkness the exterior photocell&#39;&#39;s high resistance as compared to the low resistance of a headlight actuated photocell creates a high mid point voltage. The high mid point voltage breaks down a zener diode, gating current to a capacitor and biasing an electronic switch for turning on the garage lights. When the voltage applied to the breakdown device falls, the gate turns off, and the capacitor slowly discharges through a resistor. A directional limiting device in the gate and cascaded transistors in the switch biasing connection prevent discharge of the capacitor except through the desired resistor. The electronic switch employs cascaded transistors for controlling the application of direct current to a reed relay. Power contacts of the relay complete a diac circuit, which biases on a triac, turning on the lights.

United States atent [191 Lai AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM [76]Inventor: Thomas K. Y. Lai, 38A Nialopa PL, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 [22]Filed: Apr. 10, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 242,351

[52] US. Cl 315/155, 250/209, 315/159 [51] Int. CL. H05b 37/02, H05b39/04, l-l05b 41/36 [58] Field of Search 315/155, 159; 250/209 [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,844,762 7/1958 Duryee 315/1591,774,457 8/1930 Singleton 315/155 2,905,862 9/1959 Giuffrida 315/1593,421,005 1/1969 Baker 315/159 X 3,160,757 12/1964 McAllise 250/2093,654,514 4/1972 Kappenhagen 315/159 X 5 7 ABSTRACT Garage lights areautomatically turned on by a photocell which is illuminated byautomobile headlights. A

timing circuit keeps the lights on for a predetermined period afterautomobile headlights are turned off. House current is stepped down,rectified and smoothed. Direct current is applied across a variablevoltage divider. A starter which may be a push button, a headlightreceiving photocell or a roll over switch supplies voltage to a midpoint of the divider. Voltage at the mid point is reduced duringdaylight hours by an exterior photocell in a conductive condition.During darkness the exterior photocells high resistance as compared tothe low resistance of a headlight actuated photocell creates a high midpoint voltage. The high mid point voltage breaks down a zener diode,gating current to a capacitor and biasing an electronic switch forturning on the garage lights. When the voltage applied to the breakdowndevice falls, the gate turns off, and the capacitor slowly dischargesthrough a resistor. A directional limiting device in the gate andcascaded transistors in the switch biasing connection prevent dischargeof the capacitor except through the desired resistor. The electronicswitch employs cascaded transistors for controlling the application ofdirect current to a reed relay. Power contacts of the relay complete adiac circuit, which biases on a triac, turning on the lights.

18 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED FEB 5 74 SHEEI 3 BF 5 P ATENTEBFEB 51974 SHEET 5 or 5' mu. +8 2: a

m Mag; 5:; W01

I AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Knowngarage light systems of the prior art have employed mechanicallyoperated switches which are held in an on position for a long time inorder to sufficiently activate a timing system to delay an extinguishingof lights. Such systems have used heavy duty wiring to heavy duty relaysto control the switching on and off of light circuits and timingdevices. Generally, the timing systems are expensive because of theirrequirement for heavy duty compounds, and the systems are incapable ofuse with devices which supply only a very short pulse of energy. Forexample, none of the known fixed lighting systems employs small aimedphotocells for triggering by quick flashes of headlights.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION lights within passageways between a parkingspace and residences. The purpose of the usual application of thepresent invention is to provide temporary lighting for darkened spaceswhile one is passing from a house to an automobile or from an automobileto a residence.

In a preferred form the control of the present invent ion is packaged ina single unit with two terminal boards. One terminal board is a lowvoltage board to which the remote switching or starting elements areconnected. For example, a push button switch near a doorway for startinga system as one leaves a house, a

headlight receiving photocell and an exterior daylight sensing photocellmay be connected through long, fine, low-voltage terminal board. Thehousehold voltage power lines and the lighting circuits are connected tothe high-voltage terminal board.

In the preferred form of the invention, supplied voltage is reduced andrectified. AC ripples are smoothed with a filter, DC current is limitedwith a resistance, and voltage surges are grounded with a breakdowndevice. I

The substantially constant DC voltage is supplied to a voltage divider.In the divider, an exterior photocell is connected between mid point andground. Resistance of the exterior photocell is reduced during daylighthours, bringing mid point voltage closer to ground potential.

Starters are connected in parallel between the mid point and a point ofmaximum DC voltage. Usually the starters are a push button near anentrance to a residence and a headlight sensing photocell or roll overpneumatic impulse switch at a garage entrance. During darkness hourswhen the resistance of the exterior photocell is high, reducingresistance of any one of the starters raises the potential of the midpoint of the voltage divider closer to the maximum DC voltage,

A gate is connected to the mid point. When potential of the mid point inthe voltage divider exceeds break down voltage of a breakdown device inthe gate, such as during darkness hours when one of the starters isactivated, the DC power is gated to immediately charge a capacitor,turning a timer on. At the same time, an electronic switch is turned on,completing the lighting circuit and turning on the garage and passagewaylights. 4

When the starter is deactivated,the timer keeps the lights on for a timepredetermined by the discharge rate of the capacitor. The discharge rateis in turn controlled by the value of a resistance which discharges thecapacitor to ground. Discharge in a reverse direction through thebreakdown device gate is prevented is prevented by a unidirectionalelement. Discharge through the electronic switch is prevented by use ofa cascaded transistor with a high input resistance, for example, aDarlington transistor. If varied timing is desired, the apparatus may beprovided with. varied resistors connected in series or in parallel orwith a variable resistor to control timing. In a preferred embodiment, asingle resistor having a sufficiently high resistance to provide a slowrate of discharge is provided so that lights are held on for a number ofminutes.

In a preferred embodiment of a light switch, a transistor is biased on,completing the application of the full DC current to a reed relay. Powercontacts of the relay are connected in one side of an AC voltagedivider. The relay completes AC power to a diac which is connected inthe biasing circuit of a triac. Closing of the relay contacts turns thetriac on, completing the AC power circuit to the lights. 1

While the present lighting system is described with particularapplication to a system. for turning on garage lights, the presentsystem is useful in any application where a timed power supply capableof responding to an impulse input is useful.

One object of the present invention is the provision of a lightingsystem which employs a timing system capable of responding to a briefstarting activation.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a garage lightingsystem which employs a headlight sensing photocell connected incombination with an exterior daylight sensing photocell to turn ongarage lights and associated passageway lights during hours of darknesswhen the automobile headlights are detected.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a lighting systememploying starting and sensing elements in a voltage divider circuit tocontrol gating of energy to turn on lights and to start a timingcircuit.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an electronic switchfor use in a lighting system.

This invention has as another object the provision of a variable voltagedividing circuit .and gate for use in an automatic lighting systeAnother object of this invention is the provision of a self-containedelectronic control system for automatically turning on and off garagelights.

These and other objectsof the invention are apparent in thespecification, which includes the foregoing and ongoing description, andthe claims and from the drawings, which taken together, comprise thedisclosure of the invention, using one preferred. embodiment by way ofexample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF Til-IE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a schematicrepresentation of the apparatus of the present invention, showing thesystem'with its boxed electronic controls, the power source and electriclight connections and the remote controlling devices.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the main elements of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the circuits of the present invention,showing in detail the interrelated elements and the terminal boardconnections of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing similar to FIG. 3 with a modified shortingportion or lower portion of the voltage divider.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of circuitry provided with an impulseswitch.

FIG. 6 is a detail of an air-operated impulse switch actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Throughout the drawings, likeelements are referred to by like numerals.

In FIG. 1, the numeral 1 generally indicates the light control systemofa preferred embodiment of the present invention. Electric light-2represents a lighting circuit which is controlled by the automaticdevice of the present invention. Plug 4 is representative of aconnection for a power source. Box 6 contains the electronic circuits ofthe present invention and terminal boards.

Photocell 8 is mounted on an exterior of a building, for example, agarage to prevent operation of the system during daylight hours.Photocell 10 is mounted within a garage to detect headlights of cars forstarting the system when a car is parked in a garage. In a twocargarage, photocell'lO may be centrally mounted to detect headlights fromeither car. Photocell 10 may be used with adjustable circuits to detectback up lights when automobiles are backed into a garage.

In some cases, suchas in drive-through carports, no wall is availablefor mounting of an interior photocell. A pneumatic switch 12 may besubstituted for photocell 10. Closed air hose 14 supplies a pulse of airto switch 12 as an automobile crosses the hose. It is convenient tomount a push button starter 16 adjacent a pedestrain entry to thegarage. Where more than one entry to a garage is commonly used indarkness hours, two or more push buttons 16 may be connected inparallel.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2,-exterior photocell 8 and interiorphotocell 10 are connected in a variable voltage divider 20. Whendarkness turns photocell 8 off and headlights turn photocell 10 on, apotential is provided to voltage gate 22 which is sufficient tobreakdown device 24 and gate current to timer circuit 30. Unidirectionaldevice 26 in gate 22 prevents reverse flow of current from timer 30.

Timer circuit 30 contains a capacitor 32 and a resistance 34 whichdischarges the capacitor. When the potential is gated to the timercircuit 30 and during the time that capacitor 32 maintains a sufficientpotential, light switch 36 is held on. Triac 38 is schematically shownwithin the light switch 36 for controlling lamp 2.

Power supply 40 receives power from source 4, transmits the power to thelight switch, and reduces and rectifies current which it supplies to thevariable voltage divider, the gate and the timer circuit.

In FIG. 3 a low voltage terminal board generally indicated by TBl hasconnections A through F which are found in the upper part of the figure.High voltage terminalboard TB2 has connections A, B and C which areshown in the upper part of the drawing as, for example, TB2-A. TerminalsA and B on the high voltage board are connected to lamps 2, andterminals B and C are connected to a voltage source which is shown as aplug 4. In systems which are intended for use in new constructions,lamps 2 generally indicate the basic garage,

lights, and source 4 is wired directly to the roughed in electricalwiring. In add on systems a plug 4 and power lines are supplied. Lamps 2may be the existing lamps, or externally wired lamps may be providedwith a kit.

On the low voltage terminal board T81, contacts A and B receive the pushbutton. Terminals C and D receive the internal photocell 10 or roll overswitch 12, or both may be connected in parallel to terminals C and D.Terminals E and F receive low voltage wiring from the external photocell8.

Referring to the main circuit in FIG. 3, voltage is supplied at source4. A fuse 42 protects the circuit against voltage surges, which may becaused externally or by a short circuit in the system. Household currentis applied through fuse 42 to primary 44 of transformer 46. Secondary 48reduces the voltage to approximately 12 volts AC. A bridge rectifiergenerally indicated by the numeral 50 and comprising diodes 52, 54 56and 58 changes the low AC voltage to low DC voltage. Capacitor 60filters AC components and smooths theoutput of the rectifier. Currentlimiting resistor 62 limits the current flowing through the DCelectronic components. Zener diode 64 breaks down at 12 volts,effectively shorting voltage surges and insuring that voltage betweenpositive power line 68 and ground 70 does not exceed 12 volts.

In the variable voltage divider 20, photocells 8 and 10 may have darkresistances of about 5,000 ohms, or more, which are reduced to about 500ohms when illuminated. 15K ohm resistor 72 is connected in parallel tophotocell 8 in the lower portion of the divider so that the combinedresistance of photocell 8 and resistor 72 is below 500 ohms whenexternal photocell 8 is illuminated during daylight hours. In daylightconditions, the potential of mid point is thus reduced toward groundpotential. In the upper portion of the divider, light cell 10 isconnected in series with variable resistor 7 which has a capacity ofabout 25K ohms. Adjustment of resistor 74 is made to bring the mid point80 to a potential above the breakdown voltage of the breakdown device 24in gate 22. When 12 volts are imposed across lines 68 and 70, resistor74- maybe adjusted so that when photocell 10 is illuminated byheadlights during darkness hours, mid point 80 is brought to a potentialslightly above a breakdown voltage of 6.8 volts. Correctly adjustingresistor 74 according to the fixed position of photocell l0 insurescorrect operation of the automatic system and insures against startingof the system by spurious illumination of photocell 10.

Photocell 10 may be replaced by an impulse switch 12 or other suitableswitch with a series connected resistance 76.

For convenience, one or more push buttons may be provided at entrancesto a garage. Preferably the push buttons are connected in series with aresistor 78, which may have a value of about 470 ohms.

During daylight hours, the low resistance of photocell 8 and theparallel resistor 72 will always keep mid point 80 below the level ofbreakdown voltage required by breakdown device 24. When photocell 8imposes its high darkness resistance, the potential of mid point 80 maybe raised above the breakdown voltage by reducing resistance inphotocell 10 or the switches.

by completing any of Gate 22 contains breakdown device 24 which ispreferably a zener diode. When voltage at mid point 80 exceeds breakdownvoltage, zener diode 24 conducts, supplying current to capacitor 32 andto timer 30 and to electronic switch 36. Storage capacitor 32 is chargedimmediately upon application of voltage to the timer circuit. Resistor34 discharges voltage from capacitor 32 after the applied voltage hasbeen discontinued. The rate at which resistor 34 discharges voltage fromcapacitor 32 controls the period of timer 30. Discharge of capacitor 32through voltage divider 20 is prevented by unidirectional element 26which is a diode. Discharge of the timer through the light switch 36 isprevented by a high input impedance device, in this case a Darlingtontransistor 041. i i

As an example, the capacitor 32 may have a value of 500 microfarads.Resistor 34 may have a value of from about 150 to about 2 megaohms.Resistor 82 may have a value of about 1.5 megaohms. Resistors 90 and 92may have resistances of about K ohms and 2.7 K ohms respectively. Thefunction of the resistors 02, 90 and 92 and of the cascaded transistors84 which may be comprised of individually packaged transistors 86 and 88is to forward bias the light switch 36 while preventing substantialdischarge of capacitor 32.

When transistor 94 is biased on by voltage from the timer section 30, DCpower is supplied to reed relay 90 via current limiting resistor 96.Power terminals 100 and 102 of reed relay 98 close, completing the ACcircuit to diac 104. Capacitor 106 and resistor 108 cooperate as an ACvoltage divider so that the appropriate potential is applied via diac1041 to the biasing terminal of triac 38. Power terminals of triac 38complete the circuit between power source 41 and lights 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, diode 99 protects the transistor 94 from sudde nsurges when the field collapses in relay coil 98. At the same time,diode 99 keeps the relay polarized.

FIG. 4 is a modified form of FIG. 3, in which the variable voltagedivider circuit is changed. The modification of FIG. 4 insuresthat thesystem is held off during times of partial potential sensed by theexterior photocell. With the exception of the change to the voltagedivider circuit, all of the elements of Flg. 4 are the same as theelements and circuits of FIG. 3. Similar elements are designated bysimilar reference numerals. In the upper half of the voltage divider theelements and circuitry of FIG. 4 are similar to the elements andcircuitry of FIG. 3.

In the lower half of the voltage divider resistor 106 has the same valueas resistor 72 in FIG. 3. Resistor 106 is the only resistor which isconductive during darkness hours. Consequently, the potential of midpoint 80 is held at a level sufficiently high to breakdown device 24 forgating current to the timer.

During daylight hours, resistor 108, which has a value of about 100ohms, is grounded through transistor 110, effectively shorting the highresistance element 106. Transistor 110 is turned on by raising the valueof its base connection 112 to an on voltage. The potential of baseconnection 112 is established by a second voltage divider whichcomprises resistor 114 and photocell 116. Resistor 1141 has a value ofabout 150 ohms. Photocell 116 has a value of about 5,000 ohms or morewhen dark and 500 ohms when illuminated. Until photocell 116 resistanceis raised to a point near 5,000 ohms, base 112 is held off.

The effect of the particular circuit of FIG. 1 is to bias transistor 110on, thereby effectively shorting resistance 106 during any light. Whendark, photocell 116 biases transistor 110 off, cutting off the path toground through resistor 100, and grounding mid point only throughresistor 106.

When an air hose 14lis placed in such a position that a car rapidlypasses over the air hose, contacts in air switch 12 may be held closedfor a time insufficient to fully charge the timer 30. To providesufficient charging of timer 30, a circuit such as shown in FIG. 5 maybe employed.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 5, capacitor keeps the current on for asufficient time to charge the capacitor in timer 30.

As in FIGS. 3 and 4, air switch 12 is connected to terminals C and D ofthe first low voltage terminal board 1. When air switch 12 is activated,terminals 150 are closed, charging capacitor 110. The capacitor 118holds a charge and maintains a bias through resistor 120 on cascadedtransistors 122 and 12 1. During the time that contacts are closed andthe additional time in which capacitor 118 retains a charge, transistor124 effectively shorts resistor 13.2 so that resistor 128 is the onlyresistance in the upper portion of the voltage divider 20. Thatresistance is schematically shown'as resistor 76 in FIG. 3 and 4.

In one preferred embodiment, an air switch 12 comprises two slidableplastic cups 1341- and 136. Air is supplied to cup 136 through a centralopening in base 138. The upper end 146 of hose 14 fits on nipple 142.The remote end of hose 11 is closed by plug 148 as shown in FIG. 5. Theupper plastic cup 134 closes contacts 150 when it is lifted by airflowing from the hose.

The invention has been described in part by specific embodiments. Thefunction is not limited to those embodiments. Several modifications maybe made without departing from the scope of the invention, which isdefined in the following claims.

I l claim:

1. A lighting system comprising a power source, light means'forilluminating a space, and control means for communicating the powersource with the light means, the control means comprising a breakdowndevice having a first terminal and having a second terminal connectedtoground, a first resistance connected between the first terminal andground, resistance reducing means connected in parallel to the firstresistance, an exterior photocell for sensing daylight conditionsconnected to the reducing means and for activating the reducing means,thereby maintaining a circuit through the breakdown device in thecontrol means open during daylight conditions, a controller connected tothe power source and to the first terminal for completing the circuit inthe control means from the power source through the breakdown devicewhen the controller is activated and when the exterior photocell isinactive during darkness, and switch means connected to the circuit andconnected to the power source and to the light means for communicatingthe power source and the light means upon completion of the circuit inthe control means. I

2. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprising energy storagemeans connected to the circuit and energy drain means connected to thecircuit in parallel to the energy storage means between the switch meansand the second terminal of the breakdown device for maintainingoperation of the circuit and the switch means while energy is stored inthe storage means and for terminating operation of the circuit andswitch means when energy is drained from the storage means.

3. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein the power source comprises asource of alternating current, and wherein the light means compriseselectric lamps operable upon communicating with the power source, andwherein the control means comprises a power supply connected to thepower source for converting the alternating current to direct currentand a voltage divider connected to the power supply, wherein theexterior photocell is connected between a midpoint and ground in thevoltage divider, and wherein the breakdown device is connected to themidpoint, whereby light impinging on the exterior photocell reducesvoltage of the midpoint below a breakdown voltage,'and whereby theexterior photocell presents a high resistance during darkness, andwhereby the controller reduces resistance in the opposite portion of thevoltage divider so that voltage of the midpoint is raised to exceedbreakdown voltage of the breakdowndevice, and wherein the switch meanscomprises electronic switch means having a control terminal connected tothe breakdown device and having power terminals connected between thepower source and the light means whereby voltage at or above breakdownvoltage passes through the breakdown device to the control terminal,operating the switch, completing the power terminals and communicatingthe power source and the light means.

4. A timed automatic lighting system for providing illumination duringpassage between automobile and house doorways comprising a power supplyhaving a primary with terminals configured for connection to a householdpower source and having a secondary for reducing primary voltage,rectifier means connected to the secondary for producing direct current,a starting circuit connected to the rectifier and having a starter forpassing varied current according to a condition of the starter, andshorting means connected to the starting circuit and to the rectifierfor substantially shorting the starting circuit, the shorting meanscomprising a first resistance connected between the starter and ground,resistance reducing means connected in parallel to the first resistance,and an exterior photoresistor connected in the resistance reducing meansfor reducing resistance and shorting the starting circuit when theexterior photoresistor is illuminated by daylight, gating meanscomprising a breakdown device having a first terminal connected to thestarting circuit for gating current above a predetermined voltage,timing means comprising a capacitor and resistor connected in parallelbetween ground and a second terminal of the breakdown device and therebyconnected to the gating means for receiving current from the. gatingmeans, and a switch means connected to the timing means for closing whenthe timing means is on, transmission means connected to the switch meansand having terminals for connection to a household power source andlight producing means connected to the transmission means, whereby thelight means are lighted when the switch means is closed.

5. The lighting system of claim 4 wherein the timing means capacitor andresistor, comprises storage means for storing energy from the gatingmeans, and comprises discharge control means connected to the storagemeans for controlling discharge rate of the storage means uponinterruption of gated energy, whereby the switch means is held on for apredetermined time.

6. The lighting system of claim 4 wherein the shorting means comprises atransistor having power terminals communicating with the startingcircuit and with ground and wherein the external photoresistor isconnected to a base of the transistor for turning the transistor onduring daylight hours.

7. A lighting system comprising a source of alternating current,electric lamps operable upon communicating with the source forilluminating a space, a power supply connected to the power source forconverting the alternating current to direct current, a voltage dividerconnected to the power supply, an exterior photocell connected between amidpoint and ground in the voltage diver, a breakdown device isconnected to the midpoint, whereby light impinging on the exteriorphotocell reduces voltage of the midpoint below a breakdown voltage, andwhereby the exterior photocell presents a high resistance duringdarkness, a controller connected between the midpoint and an oppositepole of the voltage divider, whereby the controller reduces resistancein the opposite portion of the voltage divider so that voltage of themidpoint'is raised to exceed breakdown voltage of the breakdown device,an electronic switch means having a control terminal connected to thebreakdown device and having power terminals connected between the powersource and the lamps whereby voltage at or above breakdown voltagepasses through the breakdown device to the control terminal, operatingthe switch, completing the power terminals and communicating the powersource and the lamps, a capacitor connected to ground and to a point inthe circuit between the control terminal of the switch means and thebreakdown device for storing energy passing through the device and adischarging resistor connected in parallel to the capacitor for slowlydischarging the capacitor, whereby upon discontinuance of operation ofthe controller, and hence discontinuance of the breakdown voltage anddiscontinuance of current passing through the breakdown device, thecapacitor maintains the control terminal at a voltage sufficient to holdthe electronic switch means on for a period of time until the resistordischarges the capacitor to a voltage below an on voltage required bythe control terminal. v

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a filter connected acrossthe power supply and parallel to the voltage divider, a current limitingresistor connected in series between the power supply and the voltagedivider, and a zener diode connected in parallel to the filter, wherebyvoltages in excess of a breakdown voltage of the zener diode aregrounded.

95. The lighting system of claim 7 wherein the circuit further comprisesa reverse currentpreventing device inserted between the breakdown deviceand the capacitor for preventing discharge of the capacitor through thebreakdown device, and wherein the electronic switch means furthercomprises a high input-resistance cascaded transistor device connectedto the control terminal for preventing discharge of the capacitorthrough the control terminal.

10. A timed automatic lighting system for providing illumination duringpassage between automobile and house doorways comprising a power supplyhaving a primary with terminals configured for connection to a householdpower source and having a secondary for reducing primary voltage,rectifier means connected to the secondary for producing direct current,a starting circuit connected to the rectifier having a startercomprising a penumatic pulse operated switch for passing varied currentaccording to a condition of the starter, and shorting means connected tothe starting circuit and to the rectifier for substantially shorting thestarting circuit, gating means connected to the starting circuit above apredetermined voltage, timing means connected to the gating means forreceiving current from the gating means, and switch means connected tothe timing means for closing when the timing means is on, transmissionmeans connected to the switch means and having terminals for connectionto a household power source and light producing means connected to thetransmission means, whereby the light means are lighted when the switchmeans is closed.

11. The lighting system of claim 10 wherein the pneumatic pulse operatedswitch comprises an air hose plugged at a distal end and connected to anipple communicating with a base of a first cup, a second cup invertedupon the first cup and slidablethereon, and contacting means connectedto .the second cup, whereby the second cup is slid outward and thecontacts are closed upon a compression of the air hose.

12. A timed automatic lighting system for providing illumination duringpassage between automobile and house doorways comprising a power supplyhaving a primary with terminals configured for connection to a householdpower source and having a secondary for reducing primary voltage,rectifier means connected to the secondary for producing direct current,a starting circuit connected to the rectifier having a startercomprising a photocell and a variable resistor connected in series forpassing varied current according to a condition of the starter, andshorting means connected to the starting circuit and to the rectifierfor substantially shorting the starting circuit, gating means connectedto the starting circuit above a predetermined voltage, timing meansconnected to the gating means for receiving current from thegatingmeans, and switch means connected to the timing means for closingwhen the timing means is on, transmission means connected to the switchmeans and having terminals for connection to a household power sourceand light producing means connected to the transmission means, wherebythe light means are lighted when the switch means is closed.

13. The lighting system of claim 12 further comprising a push buttonconnected in parallel to the photocell and variable resistor.

14. A lighting system comprising a source of alternating current,electric lamps operable upon communicating with the source forilluminating a space, a power supply connected to the power source forconverting the alternating current to direct current, a voltage dividerconnected to the power supply, an exterior photocell connected between amidpoint and ground in the voltage divider, a breakdown device isconnected to the midpoint, whereby light impinging on the exteriorphotocell reduces voltage of the midpoint below a breakdown voltage, andwhereby the exterior photocell presents a high resistance duringdarkness, :1 controller connected between the midpoint and an oppositepole of the voltage divider, whereby the controller reduces re sistancein the opposite portion of the voltage divider so that voltage of themidpoint is raised to exceed breakdown voltage of the breakdown device,an electronic switch having a control terminal connected to thebreakdown device, and having a reed relay, the reed relay having powercontacts, a diac connected in series to the power contacts and to thepower source, a triac having power terminals connected to the lamps andto the power source and having a control terminal connected to the diacfor supplying power from the source to the lamps upon completion of thediac circuit by closing of the reed relay contacts.

15. A lighting system comprising a source of alternating current,electric lamps operable upon communicating with the source forilluminating a space, a power supply connected to the power source forconverting the alternating current to direct current, a voltage dividerconnected to the power supply, an exterior photocell connected between amidpoint and ground in the voltage divider, a breakdown device isconnected to the midpoint, whereby light impinging on the exteriorphotocell reduces voltage of the midpoint below a break down voltage,and whereby the exterior photocell pres ents a high resistance duringdarkness, a controller connected between the midpoint and an oppositepole of the voltage divider wherein the controller comprises a secondphotocell and a normally open push buttorfcon nected in parallel wherebythe controller reduces resistance in the opposite portion of the voltagedivider so that voltage of the midpoint is raised to exceed breakdownvoltage of the breakdown device.

16. A lighting system comprising a source of alternating current,electric lamps operable upon communicating with the source forilluminating a space, a power supply connected to the power source forconverting the alternating current to direct current, a voltage dividerconnected to the power supply, an exterior photocell connected between amidpoint and ground in the voltage divider, a breakdown device isconnected to the midpoint, whereby light impinging on the exteriorphotocell reduces voltage of the midpoint below a breakdown voltage, andwhereby the exterior photocellpresents a high resistance duringdarkness, a controller connected between the midpoint and an oppositepole of the voltage divider, wherein the controller comprises an airhose operated pneumatic roll over switch and a push button connected inparallel, whereby the controller reduces resistance in the oppositeportion of the voltage divider so that voltage of the midpoint is raisedto exceed breakdown voltage of the breakdown device.

l7. A timed automatic lighting system for providing illumination duringpassage between automobile and house doorways comprising a power supplyhaving a primary with terminals configured for connection to a householdpower source and having a secondary for reducing primary voltage,rectifier means connected to the secondary for producing direct current,a starting circuit connected to the rectifier having a starter forpassing varied current according to a condition of the starter, andshorting means connected to the starting circuit and to the rectifierfor substantially shorting the starting circuit, gating means connectedto the starting circuit above a predetermined voltage, timing meansconnected to the gating means for receiving current from the gatingmeans, the timing means comprising storage means for storing energy fromthe gating means, and discharge control means connected to the storagemeans for controlling discharge rate of the storage means uponinterruption of gated energy, whereby the timing means is held on for apredetermined time after interruption of the gated energy, the dischargecontrolling means comprising a resistor connected in parallel to thestorage means, a unidirectional device connected between the storagemeans and the gating means for preventing reverse flow of currentthrough the gating means, and base connections to cascaded transistorsfor preventing flow of substantial current through base circuits of thetransistors; and switch means connected to the timing means for closingwhen the timing means is on, transmission means connected to the switchmeans and having terminals for connection to a household power sourceand light producing means connected to the transmission means, wherebythe light means are lighted when the switch means is circuit having astarter switch with normally open terminals, the starting circuit beingconnected to the rectifier for passing varied current according to acondition of the starter, the starting circuit comprising a capacitorconnected to the terminals for storing current passing through theterminals, transistor mean having a base connected to the capacitoradjacent the terminals, for turning the transistor means on when theterminals are closed, and the transistor means having power terminals inthe starting circuit; and shorting means connected to the startingcircuit and to the rectifier for substantially shorting the startingcircuit, gating means connected to the starting circuit above apredetermined voltage, timing means connected to the gating means forreceiving current from the gating means, and switch means connected tothe timing means for closing when the timing means is on, transmissionmeans connected to the switch means and having terminals for connectionto a household power source and light producing means connected to thetransmission means, whereby the light means are lighted when the switchmeans is closed.

1. A lighting system comprising a power source, light means forilluminating a space, and control means for communicating the powersource with the light means, the control means comprising a breakdowndevice having a first terminal and having a second terminal connected toground, a first resistance connected between the first terminal andground, resistance reducing means connected in parallel to the firstresistance, an exterior photocell for sensing daylight conditionsconnected to the reducing means and for activating the reducing means,thereby maintaining a circuit through the breakdown device in thecontrol means open during daylight conditions, a controller connected tothe power source and to the first terminal for completing the circuit inthe control means from the power source through the breakdown devicewhen the controller is activated and when the exterior photocell isinactive during darkness, and switch means connected to the circuit andconnected to the power source and to the light means for communicatingthe power source and the light means upon completion of the circuit inthe control means.
 2. The lighting system of claim 1 further comprisingenergy storage means connected to the circuit and energy drain meansconnected to the circuit in parallel to the energy storage means betweenthe switch means and the second terminal of the breakdown device formaintaining operation of the circuit and the switch means while energyis stored in the storage means and for terminating operation of thecircuit and switch means when energy is drained from the storage means.3. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein the power source comprises asource of alternating current, and wherein the light means compriseselectric lamps operable upon communicating with the power source, andwherein the control means comprises a power supply connected to thepower source for converting the alternating current to direct currentand a voltage divider connected to the power supply, wherein theexterior photocell is connected between a midpoint and ground in thevoltage divider, and wherein the breakdown device is connected to themidpoint, whereby light impinging on the exterior photocell reducesvoltage of the midpoint below a breakdown voltage, and whereby theexterior photocell presents a high resistance during darkness, andwhereby the controller reduces resistance in the opposite portion of thevoltage divider so that voltage of the midpoint is raised to exceedbreakdown voltage of the breakdown device, and wherein the switch meanscomprises electronic switch means having a control terminal connected tothe breakdown device and having power terminals connected between thepower source and the light means whereby voltage at or above breakdownvoltage passes through the breakdown device to the control terminal,operating the switch, completing the power terminals and communicatingthe power source and the light means.
 4. A timed automatic lightingsystem for providing illumination during passage between automobile andhouse doorways comprising a power supply having a primary with terminalsconfigured for connection to a household power source and having asecondary for reducing primary voltage, rectifier means connected to thesecondary for producing direct current, a starting circuit connected tothe rectifier and having a starter for passing varied current accordingto a condition of the starter, and shorting means connected to thestarting circuit and to the rectifier for substantially shorting thestarting circuit, the shorting means comprising a first resistanceconnected between the starter and ground, resistance reducing meansconnected in parallel to the first resistance, and an exteriorphotoresistor connected in the resistance reducing means for reducingresistance and shorting the starting circuit when the exteriorphotoresistor is illuminated by daylight, gating means comprising abreakdown device having a first terminal connected to the startingcircuit for gating current above a predetermined voltage, timing meanscomprising a capacitor and resistor connected in parallel between groundand a second terminal of the breakdown device and thereby connected tothe gating means for receiving current from the gating means, and aswitch means connected to the timing means for closing when the timingmeans is on, transmission means connected to the switch means and havingterminals for connection to a household power source and light producingmeans connected to the transmission means, whereby the light means arelighted when the switch means is closed.
 5. The lighting system of claim4 wherein the timing means capacitor and resistor, comprises storagemeans for storing energy from the gating means, and comprises dischargecontrol means connected to the storage means for controlling dischargerate of the storage means upon interruption of gated energy, whereby theswitch means is held on for a predetermined time.
 6. The lighting systemof claim 4 wherein the shorting means comprises a transistor havingpower terminals communicating with the starting circuit and with groundand wherein the external photoresistor is connected to a base of thetransistor for turning the transistor on during daylight hours.
 7. Alighting system comprising a source of alternating current, electriclamps operable upon communicating with the source for illuminating aspace, a power supply connected to the power source for converting thealternating current to direct current, a voltage divider connected tothe power supply, an exterior photocell connected between a midpoint andground in the voltage diver, a breakdown device is connected to themidpoint, whereby light impinging on the exterior photocell reducesvoltage of the midpoint below a breakdown voltage, and whereby theexterior photocell presents a high resistance during darkness, acontroller connected between the midpoint and an opposite pole of thevoltage divider, whereby the controller reduces resistance in theopposite portion of the voltage divider so that voltage of the midpointis raised to exceed breakdown voltage of the breakdown device, anelectronic switch means having a control terminal connected to thebreakdown device and having power terminals connected between the powersource and the lamps whereby voltage at or above breakdown voltagepasses through the breakdown device to the control terminal, operatingthe switch, completing the power terminals and communicating the powersource and the lamps, a capacitor connected to ground and to a point inthe circuit between the control terminal of the switch means and thebreakdown device for storing energy passing through the device and adischarging resistor connected in parallel to the capacitor for slowlydischarging the capacitor, whereby upon discontinuance of operation ofthe controller, and hence discontinuance of the breakdown voltage anddiscontinuance of Current passing through the breakdown device, thecapacitor maintains the control terminal at a voltage sufficient to holdthe electronic switch means on for a period of time until the resistordischarges the capacitor to a voltage below an on voltage required bythe control terminal.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising afilter connected across the power supply and parallel to the voltagedivider, a current limiting resistor connected in series between thepower supply and the voltage divider, and a zener diode connected inparallel to the filter, whereby voltages in excess of a breakdownvoltage of the zener diode are grounded.
 9. The lighting system of claim7 wherein the circuit further comprises a reverse current preventingdevice inserted between the breakdown device and the capacitor forpreventing discharge of the capacitor through the breakdown device, andwherein the electronic switch means further comprises a highinput-resistance cascaded transistor device connected to the controlterminal for preventing discharge of the capacitor through the controlterminal.
 10. A timed automatic lighting system for providingillumination during passage between automobile and house doorwayscomprising a power supply having a primary with terminals configured forconnection to a household power source and having a secondary forreducing primary voltage, rectifier means connected to the secondary forproducing direct current, a starting circuit connected to the rectifierhaving a starter comprising a penumatic pulse operated switch forpassing varied current according to a condition of the starter, andshorting means connected to the starting circuit and to the rectifierfor substantially shorting the starting circuit, gating means connectedto the starting circuit above a predetermined voltage, timing meansconnected to the gating means for receiving current from the gatingmeans, and switch means connected to the timing means for closing whenthe timing means is on, transmission means connected to the switch meansand having terminals for connection to a household power source andlight producing means connected to the transmission means, whereby thelight means are lighted when the switch means is closed.
 11. Thelighting system of claim 10 wherein the pneumatic pulse operated switchcomprises an air hose plugged at a distal end and connected to a nipplecommunicating with a base of a first cup, a second cup inverted upon thefirst cup and slidable thereon, and contacting means connected to thesecond cup, whereby the second cup is slid outward and the contacts areclosed upon a compression of the air hose.
 12. A timed automaticlighting system for providing illumination during passage betweenautomobile and house doorways comprising a power supply having a primarywith terminals configured for connection to a household power source andhaving a secondary for reducing primary voltage, rectifier meansconnected to the secondary for producing direct current, a startingcircuit connected to the rectifier having a starter comprising aphotocell and a variable resistor connected in series for passing variedcurrent according to a condition of the starter, and shorting meansconnected to the starting circuit and to the rectifier for substantiallyshorting the starting circuit, gating means connected to the startingcircuit above a predetermined voltage, timing means connected to thegating means for receiving current from the gating means, and switchmeans connected to the timing means for closing when the timing means ison, transmission means connected to the switch means and havingterminals for connection to a household power source and light producingmeans connected to the transmission means, whereby the light means arelighted when the switch means is closed.
 13. The lighting system ofclaim 12 further comprising a push button connected in parallel to thephotocell and variable resistor.
 14. A lighting system comprisIng asource of alternating current, electric lamps operable uponcommunicating with the source for illuminating a space, a power supplyconnected to the power source for converting the alternating current todirect current, a voltage divider connected to the power supply, anexterior photocell connected between a midpoint and ground in thevoltage divider, a breakdown device is connected to the midpoint,whereby light impinging on the exterior photocell reduces voltage of themidpoint below a breakdown voltage, and whereby the exterior photocellpresents a high resistance during darkness, a controller connectedbetween the midpoint and an opposite pole of the voltage divider,whereby the controller reduces resistance in the opposite portion of thevoltage divider so that voltage of the midpoint is raised to exceedbreakdown voltage of the breakdown device, an electronic switch having acontrol terminal connected to the breakdown device, and having a reedrelay, the reed relay having power contacts, a diac connected in seriesto the power contacts and to the power source, a triac having powerterminals connected to the lamps and to the power source and having acontrol terminal connected to the diac for supplying power from thesource to the lamps upon completion of the diac circuit by closing ofthe reed relay contacts.
 15. A lighting system comprising a source ofalternating current, electric lamps operable upon communicating with thesource for illuminating a space, a power supply connected to the powersource for converting the alternating current to direct current, avoltage divider connected to the power supply, an exterior photocellconnected between a midpoint and ground in the voltage divider, abreakdown device is connected to the midpoint, whereby light impingingon the exterior photocell reduces voltage of the midpoint below abreakdown voltage, and whereby the exterior photocell presents a highresistance during darkness, a controller connected between the midpointand an opposite pole of the voltage divider wherein the controllercompr1ses a second photocell and a normally open push button connectedin parallel whereby the controller reduces resistance in the oppositeportion of the voltage divider so that voltage of the midpoint is raisedto exceed breakdown voltage of the breakdown device.
 16. A lightingsystem comprising a source of alternating current, electric lampsoperable upon communicating with the source for illuminating a space, apower supply connected to the power source for converting thealternating current to direct current, a voltage divider connected tothe power supply, an exterior photocell connected between a midpoint andground in the voltage divider, a breakdown device is connected to themidpoint, whereby light impinging on the exterior photocell reducesvoltage of the midpoint below a breakdown voltage, and whereby theexterior photocell presents a high resistance during darkness, acontroller connected between the midpoint and an opposite pole of thevoltage divider, wherein the controller comprises an air hose operatedpneumatic roll over switch and a push button connected in parallel,whereby the controller reduces resistance in the opposite portion of thevoltage divider so that voltage of the midpoint is raised to exceedbreakdown voltage of the breakdown device.
 17. A timed automaticlighting system for providing illumination during passage betweenautomobile and house doorways comprising a power supply having a primarywith terminals configured for connection to a household power source andhaving a secondary for reducing primary voltage, rectifier meansconnected to the secondary for producing direct current, a startingcircuit connected to the rectifier having a starter for passing variedcurrent according to a condition of the starter, and shorting meansconnected to the starting circuit and to the rectifier for substantiallyshorting the starting circuit, gating means connected to the startingcircuit above a predeteRmined voltage, timing means connected to thegating means for receiving current from the gating means, the timingmeans comprising storage means for storing energy from the gating means,and discharge control means connected to the storage means forcontrolling discharge rate of the storage means upon interruption ofgated energy, whereby the timing means is held on for a predeterminedtime after interruption of the gated energy, the discharge controllingmeans comprising a resistor connected in parallel to the storage means,a unidirectional device connected between the storage means and thegating means for preventing reverse flow of current through the gatingmeans, and base connections to cascaded transistors for preventing flowof substantial current through base circuits of the transistors; andswitch means connected to the timing means for closing when the timingmeans is on, transmission means connected to the switch means and havingterminals for connection to a household power source and light producingmeans connected to the transmission means, whereby the light means arelighted when the switch means is closed.
 18. A timed automatic lightingsystem for providing illumination during passage between automobile andhouse doorways comprising a power supply having a primary with terminalsconfigured for connection to a household power source and having asecondary for reducing primary voltage, rectifier means connected to thesecondary for producing direct current, a starting circuit having astarter switch with normally open terminals, the starting circuit beingconnected to the rectifier for passing varied current according to acondition of the starter, the starting circuit comprising a capacitorconnected to the terminals for storing current passing through theterminals, transistor mean having a base connected to the capacitoradjacent the terminals, for turning the transistor means on when theterminals are closed, and the transistor means having power terminals inthe starting circuit; and shorting means connected to the startingcircuit and to the rectifier for substantially shorting the startingcircuit, gating means connected to the starting circuit above apredetermined voltage, timing means connected to the gating means forreceiving current from the gating means, and switch means connected tothe timing means for closing when the timing means is on, transmissionmeans connected to the switch means and having terminals for connectionto a household power source and light producing means connected to thetransmission means, whereby the light means are lighted when the switchmeans is closed.